Southampton Dining Crisis Averted!
Southamptonites not used to having doors slammed in their faces have been in a tizzy this winter, when their favorite eateries started shuttering. Basilico, one of the most hopping spots, abruptly locked its doors in December; George Martin stranded hundreds of diners by closing the day before New Year’s Eve with a full book of reservations; and management infighting at 75 Main caused it to shut down just after the New Year. But hungry rich people take heart: Spring will bring signs of new restaurant life. Madison Avenue restaurateur Nello Balan will reopen the former Post House as a ten-suite hotel and satellite of his Manhattan restaurant. Almond owners Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner (brother of mayoral hopeful Anthony Weiner) are taking over the former Ristorante Capri and turning it into a Mexican spot, Almondito. And former Breakwater Café chef Chris Kozlowski is relaunching Montauk’s Acqua Terre as Aqua East. That silent “c” was so passé.
—B. L.

EDITED BY CARL SWANSON

Related:

• Archive: “Intelligencer”
• Table of Contents: March 7, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!